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The Alaskan cruise season is fairly short because of cold fall and winter temperatures. Most cruise lines send their ships to cruise among the glaciers from May to September, the Alaska Cruises vacation site explains. The weather is usually mild to warm during those months, so there are benefits to choosing certain dates within that time span. The best dates depend on what you want to get from your cruise and how much you want to spend.

Scenery

The Alaskan Cruises site recommends May and September as prime times for scenery. Flowers start to bloom as the temperatures moderate in spring, and many larger animals migrate during this period. You can see them on various shore excursions. September features colorful leaves, and animals are usually visible because they're searching for food to fatten up for winter. Tania Hancock of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau explains that wildlife opportunities in the spring and fall are also aided by shorter daylight hours.

Weather

Alaska is cool in May and September, especially at night, so opt for a summer cruise in June, July or August if you prefer some warmth. Alaska gets a lot of rain in the summertime, but May tends to be dry, according to the Cruise Critic website. Book an early-season cruise and bring your coat if you don't want your shore excursions to be rained out.

Price

Cruise lines raise their Alaskan cruise prices for trips during the summer. You may have to pay prime rates if you want the warmest possible weather or can only travel during school vacation. Otherwise, you can get bargain rates by sailing in May, early June, late August or September, according to the Alaska Cruise Tips information site. Traveling during the off season might help you afford a balcony room from which to observe the glaciers if your budget is tight.

Availability

The timing of your Alaskan cruise may depend on availability if you book it close to the sail date. Cruise lines generally open trips for booking a year or more ahead of time. The warmest dates book up most quickly, so you may be forced to go at the beginning or end of the season if you plan your trip within a few months of your sailing.

Considerations

You may want to book your Alaskan cruise even if you have not finalized your sail date. Book it as early as possible if there is any chance you'll want to sail on a peak date. Most cruise lines let you change your date without penalty as long as you do so before the final payment is due. You'll have a prime date if you choose to use it, or you can shift to a less popular time frame later.

Resources

About the Author

Based in Kissimmee, Fla., Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience. She is a mental health counselor, finance coach and travel agency owner. Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer" and "Grit" and she authored the book, "So You Want to Be a Counselor."

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